The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial buildings has become more pressing, pushing building owners to redirect their attention towards smart building energy management and adopting sustainable design and construction practices. In response, the engineering and construction sector is increasingly confronted with the task of assisting building owners in reducing their carbon footprints.

As a leading provider of sustainable design and construction in the mechanical contracting community, Ahern has been involved with many LEED certified projects. The LEED certification serves as a blueprint for creating environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and cost-effective green buildings, delivering benefits across environmental, social, and governance aspects. We assist building owners, facility managers, and general contractors in developing sustainable building energy management strategies that align with both financial considerations and long-term environmental goals. This article seeks to offer insights into the difficulties and approaches associated with attaining objectives in sustainable construction practices.

The Carbon Challenge

Pressures for commercial building owners to cut greenhouse gas emissions will intensify in the coming year. Governments throughout the United States are set to enforce regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, addressing escalating concerns about climate change. Commercial building owners who do not currently measure greenhouse gas emissions for government reporting may face legal violations and potentially incur substantial penalties. Consequently, clients and stakeholders are increasingly urging companies to embrace smart building energy management solutions, reflecting a growing awareness of the necessity for sustainable practices in the industry.

Harnessing Technology to Achieve Building Energy Compliance 

Corporate sustainability initiatives are beginning to align with the digital transformation. To help building owners comply with new government regulations on emissions reporting, Ahern has partnered with Atrius. This innovative management software facilitates easy access to energy and emissions data by automating carbon accounting and sustainability reporting. Automation pulls data directly from utility providers into the Atrius platform, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual data entry and reducing the potential for human error. The customizable dashboards and reports provide a holistic view of energy usage, utility cost, and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Leveraging insights from the software can also help expedite the transformation of buildings into smarter, safer, and greener spaces. The enhanced transparency encourages proactive measures and holds organizations accountable for achieving their sustainability goals.

Key Strategies for Sustainable Design and Construction

Sustainable Materials: 

A gradual decline in the cost of sustainable materials compared to conventional counterparts is anticipated. This, coupled with lower long-term life cycle costs, makes the investment in sustainable materials financially viable.

Sustainable Methods: 

Leveraging sustainable methods such as prefabrication, modular construction, and preconstruction services are instrumental in reducing waste. Less waste also helps to optimize costs spent on materials, handling, and transportation.

Sustainable Models: 

Implementing low-carbon business models and strategies accelerates construction phases and lowers overall project costs. A connected construction ecosystem ensures a continuous flow of data and information, contributing to informed decision-making.

Focus Areas for Overcoming Challenges

To overcome challenges and successfully implement sustainable buildings, there are four pivotal areas of focus:

Define a Vision and Develop a Roadmap:

Establishing a clear vision for sustainable construction and developing a roadmap guides the industry towards comprehensive implementation across projects.

Prioritize Sustainability in Projects:

Driving and prioritizing construction and retrofitting projects with a focus on sustainability underscores the industry's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.

Incentivize Alternate Materials:

Employing incentives to promote the use of alternate materials within the sustainable construction framework encourages the adoption of environmentally conscious practices.

Promote Data-Sharing Standards:

Fostering data-sharing standards within the construction ecosystem ensures seamless information flow, empowering developers and operators to make informed decisions.

Building Energy Management Services:

At Ahern, our team specializing in building energy solutions can help you enhance your utility spending management by identifying and proposing energy-efficient alternatives. From initial audit to commissioning and ongoing service, our comprehensive solutions help to improve your bottom line. This includes working to find incentive funds to help offset costs. Our team of experts will work closely with you to identify systems that meet both your sustainability desires and your budget.

Backed by a team of LEED accredited professionals, we can offer expertise in LEED plumbing and HVAC designs. Additionally, we'll coordinate with relevant agencies to secure incentives and finalize the certification process.

Achieving the vision for sustainable buildings and a zero-carbon built environment demands a transformative approach. As the sector strides towards a net-zero future, sustainable design and construction stand as the cornerstone for building a resilient and environmentally responsible tomorrow. By partnering with Ahern, environmentally friendly construction projects are simplified. 

Reach out to our experts today to learn how we can help on your next project.